"Teachers have the power to make a shy little girl like me believe in her dreams"

Varkey Foundation’s Global Teacher Prize Academy attracts a host of international celebrities from across the world.

2016 saw Ali Zafar, Abhishek Bachchan, Salma Hayek and more unite in Dubai to join the Global Teacher Prize Academy as judges to choose from shortlisted teachers for an award of $1 million (£808,538).

On the weekend of 18th March 2017, Mahira Khan and Ranbir Kapoor came together, along with other celebrities from across the globe, to speak at the Global Teacher Prize ceremony, held in Dubai, and award the winner.

Mahira took the opportunity to recall moments from her childhood and pay tribute to her own teachers. She took to the stage to commence the Global Teacher Prize ceremony and said:

“A few minutes are just not enough to recount all the memories I have and all the influence that my teachers have had on my life. Teachers have the power to make a shy little girl like me believe in her dreams. So yes, teachers do matter.”

However, it was her encounter with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor that took social media by storm and made the headlines.

While at one instance, Mahira was seen pleading in front of Ranbir Kapoor (perhaps convincing him over something), at another, the two were caught posing together on the red carpet.

It was only a matter of time when fans started discussing the possibility of the two working opposite each other. There is no doubt that they will make for a hot on-screen couple.

Ranbir Kapoor spoke on how inspiring all the finalists were in their achievements and how he, as an actor, relates to their struggle. After which he introduced Prince Harry’s video message for the attendees.

Pakistani designer Huma Adnan, the brains behind FnkAsia, also joined Mahira and Ranbir at the ceremony and presented Ranbir with a vest from her husband Amir Adnan’s label. It is rumoured that Ranbir fancies Adnan’s work quite a lot.

At the Global Teacher Prize ceremony, Pakistani teacher Salima Baig was among the top 10 finalists but the award went to Maggie MacDonell from Canada.

Pakistani journalist living in the UK, committed towards promoting positive news and stories. A free-spirited soul, she enjoys writing on complicated topics that bust taboos. Her motto in life: "Live and let live."